From Instacrush to Insta-Daddy . . . Theo Kershaw is the luckiest guy alive. Roaring back from a life-threatening injury, he has the world at his skates as defenseman for his new team, the Chicago Rebels. Everyone adores his big personality, his on-ice talent, and his killer smile. Everyone but his prickly neighbor—or so he thinks. One chilly Christmas Eve, Theo will learn that maybe the girl … Eve, Theo will learn that maybe the girl next door isn’t such a hater after all …
Elle Butler is the most embarrassing person on the planet.
How else can the ex-military-now-bartender explain her crush on the hot jock who lives across the hall? True, he has gorgeous green eyes and perfect cheekbones, but the filter between his brain and too-sexy mouth is permanently malfunctioning. Yet she can’t stop checking out his Instagram antics or sneaking looks at him when he’s in her bar. Absolutely mortifying. Running from a past filled with damning secrets, Elle’s determined that this guilty pleasure remains buried in her deepest fantasies.
Because she couldn’t possibly indulge with the Theo Kershaw. Or make a mistake that draws attention to her under-the-radar life. And she especially couldn’t be a mom to a pro-athlete’s baby … could she?
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Ms Meader continues her excellent hockey franchise with Instacrush, the second book in the Rookie Rebel series. Theo and Elle, our main characters, played supporting roles in the first book of the series, but we get to know them much better in this stand alone novel.
Both Theo and Elle are characters that have a lot more going on than you notice at first glance. It was a pleasure to get to know them better and see them go through the emotional growth necessary to have a chance at happy ever after.
As expected from Ms Meader, this is a well written book with a strong cast of supporting characters. There is significant overlap with the original Rebels series, but this is handled in such a way that it would be easy for a new reader to join the series. Readers who have been following the series will appreciate getting to catch up with previous favorites.
I enjoyed getting to know Theo and Elle better in Instacrush. They had a good mix of sweet, funny, and touching moments both individually and as a couple. I am hoping we get to see more of them in the future!
This book was completely delicious, and I loved it so much!! I can’t get enough of these Rebels!
Theo Kershaw is a happy-go-lucky guy. He not only survived a brain aneurysm, but he’s thrived, and found his way back to professional hockey again. He also has a sunny outlook, and his mind moves fast, as does his mouth. His new nickname is Superglutes, for his extraordinary backside, for which he struggles to buy pants that fit properly. But mostly, he’s so happy to be alive that everything else is just details. He was raised by his amazing (and hilarious) grandmother, Aurora, and while he loves her endlessly, he still has regrets about how he handled it when he discovered the woman he had always thought was his older sister, was actually his birth mom. Forget about the fact that his father walked away, and never looked back. He’s had a crush on his favorite local watering hole’s bartender for a few months now, ever since she moved to town, but she won’t give him the time of day.
Elle Butler’s life is a mess. She comes from a family of liars, grifters, and crooks. She decided she could no longer live like them, so she joined the military. Now, after her discharge, she’s at loose ends. She’s trying to avoid her family like the plague, and she needs some time to get back on her feet in life, as a civilian. She decided to drop in on her good friend Levi Hunt (the hero from book 1) and crash with him for a while. But now it’s been months, and she still doesn’t know what she’s doing with her life. She’s become a bit obsessed with Hunt’s neighbor and teammate, via his Instagram feed, and his visits to the bar she works in. Though in person she gives him as much crap as possible since he seems like he’s so perfect and wants for nothing. Also, she hates how much she likes him.
Theo and Elle had such major chemistry right from the start, and it was so fun to watch them finally give into it. Then of course, what was supposed to be a one-time thing, turns into a forever-linked thing when Elle becomes pregnant unexpectedly. The way they both handle the news was so real and you could truly feel all that they were feeling, while they made their decisions about how to move forward. They really had a hard time staying away from each other as their connection was just so strong, and I loved that. Even beyond the bedroom, they truly cared about each other from the start.
The other guys on Theo’s team are always good for the comic relief, and I love catching up with them. Especially the older guys from the original series, and their wives. All the WAGs really embraced Elle and tried to make her feel included, and I enjoyed watching her learn to accept their attention, and slowly become comfortable with it. Theo really worked to make her feel a part of his world, and I loved how he was always thinking about her and her comfort.
I really appreciated this couple, both together and individually, and how they were always trying to protect each other. They both have these big feelings for each other, but neither of them is willing to admit it, even to themselves. They really just made you fall in love with both of them, and want them to get everything they want and deserve.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, along with the rest of the series, and the original Chicago Rebels series too. This author always makes me feel all my feelings, while still being lighthearted, funny, and real. I loved this story so much, and I am so anxious to learn all about big, gruff, and damaged Gunnar Bond in book 3. Talk about making me feel all my feelings! I can’t wait!
A Christmas Eve encounter leads to a lifetime of love. When Elle Butler surrenders to Theo Kershaw’s world class assets, she never expected to find the HEA she’d always dreamed of. The latest in the Chicago Rebels Rookies series is perfect for lovers of hockey, surprise baby, and enemies to lovers. Elle and Theo will tug at your heartstrings even as you enjoy a visit with favorite Rebels from novels past.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
The back and forth banter. The sizzling attraction. The laugh out loud mishaps. Meader is one author who knows how to make over the top attraction into heartwarming romance. Theo and Elle were a joy to get to know. Despite his ego and her slightly off kilter attempts at giving him the cold shoulder, InstaCrush grabs onto your heart and holds on for dear life. A totally obvious one click purchase.
SUPERGLUTES’ STORY!!!
Normally, I’m not a fan of all-caps-shouty-like writing, or of excessive punctuation, but trust me–Theo deserves all that and more 🙂
I mean, he was a ton of fun in Levi’s book ( Good Guy ), but here in his own? In all of his live-Instagramming, special pants to fit his hockey butt-wearing, putting up with his kind of crazy grandma, and sexy bantering with Elle-oh-Elle Butler glory? It’s magic!
Elle–aka Sargent Cupcake–was pretty wonderful too, keeping Theo’s ego in check (while secretly binging on his IG feed, and maybe becoming a little too attached to his glutes…and lats…and abs…and pecs…) and giving just as good as she gets throughout. Together? They make magic…and maybe a little something else 😉
Instacrush isn’t all sexy banter, though. Both Theo and Elle had past/family issues that they need to work though individually before they can really be a couple. Even though their actual experiences growing up were drastically different, they have some really similar issues, including doubting their worthiness and lovability. I liked how Kate Meader had them work through their problems, resolving them realistically and not always taking the story in directions that might have made her job easier but instead choosing ones that made her characters do the work.
Because that ending? Made everything that went before it worth it!
Now, please tell me Gunnar’s story is going to be soon… 🙂
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Instacrush. Superglutes. Theo Kershaw.
I absolutely LOVED Theo. He is definitely crush worthy. He’s hilarious and a motormouth, but he’s also honest and optimistic and genuinely kind and generous.
Elle was a tough nut. She had her reasons, and I liked her snark. I do wish she would have opened up to Theo a bit sooner. All the secrecy was getting to me.
Theo and Elle together were so fun to read. Snappy banter. Sizzling chemistry. Smoking hot sexy times.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and it’s about exactly who I wanted it to be the moment I read about him!
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
What an absolute, steamy delight reading how Theo and Elle travel their path to love and trying so hard to not let family dynamics interfere in how they get there. The fun, laughter, sarcasm and sexy times kept me laughing and crying with a full heart for these two. Loved it
I positively adored this book!! Turns out Theo Kershaw is everything I hoped he would be and honestly so much more! I could not stop smiling!!! From the previous book, I thought he was just a funny, carefree guy, but turns out he is sweeter, deeper and more thoughtful and loving than I ever imagined. I totally loved every single minute of this story from beginning to end and can’t imagine things going any other way then they did for Theo and Elle. What a fantastic book!!! I am loving these Rookie Rebels just as much as the Chicago Rebels series. I should have known I would though because I mean it is Kate Meader after all. And bonus with this series, we still get all of the original Rebels too! Can’t wait for more!!
I loved everything about this book! Theo was fantastic and swoon worthy and Elle needed someone like him in her life. They both had not great childhoods and had to learn to live on their own terms. Unfortunately for Elle hers was back to put a shadow over what was supposed to be a happy moment…. a baby with Theo. I love that when conflict came up they were able to move past it, with some hiccups along the way.
I loved the bits with Elle and Violet, and Elle and Jordan. It was nice to see that Elle was able to have someone to talk to. And of course getting more of Levi, Bren, Harper, Remy, Cade and Dante. And I loved meeting Gunnar Bond and can’t wait for more of him! This was a fantastic book and one I will want to read again.
OMG! I loved this book! This book has all my requirements for a great sports romance: hot hockey player; humor; steam level through the roof; and finally wonderful characters. What I loved most about this book was Theo. Theo is kind, caring, a little goofy and hot. In the prologue, you learn that Theo was a rookie playing for an LA hockey team when he has a near fatal brain aneurism. After 18 months of rehab and 6 months of working out, he is back on the ice with the Chicago Rebels. Realizing that he has a second chance at life, he enjoys it to the fullest and shares his exploits on Instagram. Elle is his neighbor, and roommate of his teammate. Elle secretly watches Theo’s posts, but gives Theo grief in real life. Of course, they eventually hookup, and Elle’s past threatens to keep them apart. There were so many times I yelled at my iPad “Elle, just tell him the truth!”, but if she did, this wouldn’t even be a novella, it would be a pamphlet. This is a great addition to the Rookie Rebels series and I cannot wait for Gunnar’s story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theo’s story was so much MORE than I was expecting! He’s such an extrovert and wears everything on his sleeve, but his deeper emotions, bossiness, and protective instincts came roaring out when it came to his feelings for Elle and their unexpected bundle. I admit, I simply adored getting to the core of what made Theo tick!
Elle was the polar opposite of Theo. Introverted, holding her feelings close to the heart, and kind of lost on what to do with her life. So what made them gel together? Elle could be just as bossy and protective of Theo, and everyone knows never to rile up a mama bear…
Their romance was quite the push and pull from Elle, but when the sparks start flying and everything is aligned…. yep, these two were pretty combustible. And a few of those hilarious sexy moments-I was totally in stitches!
I swear, Kate Meader has the market when it comes so banter! Sexy, sarcastic, emotional hilarious…take a pick! Theo and Elle’s conversations took on a life of their own, becoming a wickedly fun flirtation and eventually turning into deeper, edgier depths. I was swept away by Theo’s super sweet, larger than life personality and I was sympathetic to Elle’s emotional insecurities. Granted, Elle could be frustrating when she dug her heels in-frequently- however, it was easy to see what she couldn’t. I really loved the parenting advice/conversations/horror stories of birth moments of the Chicago Rebels team members and also enjoyed catching up with quite a few of them, especially Dante and Cade;)
Basically, I loved Theo and his ‘Superglutes’ self and seeing him working towards his HEA was one wild and satisfying ride!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
“Sometimes we don’t want to believe the good when it feels too perfect.”
I’m going to come out and say it – surprise pregnancy is probably one of my least favorite tropes. Still, I wanted to read this series in order and so I jumped on this one. And, the truth is, the way Kate Meader writes will pull you in regardless of the trope.
“He smelled like naughty nights and dumb jokes and the guy who had all the answers.”
Theo Kershaw seemed like a real goofball in the previous book of this series. I wasn’t sure if I’d like him. I was wrong. This guy has layers. He is a hockey player with lots of money, and he doesn’t seem to take life too seriously. He has an Instagram account he uses to publicize his ‘attributes’ and tons of followers. However, on the inside… this guy is so much more.
“Who are you, Elle Butler? Why am I so drawn to you?”
I’d also met Elle in the previous book. She was a mystery to me, coming into town, seeming to be running from something, and staying with Theo’s friend and teammate, Levi. I could definitely feel like something was off about her, and Kate gave her an original backstory. Let’s just say she’s afraid the secrets of her past may come back to haunt her and the life she has now.
“I’m not radioactive, y’know. If you want to touch, just ask.”
Elle is not supposed to like him, but she watches the Instagram videos he shoots across the hall. Yes, she’s a fan. More than she cares to admit. Theo takes everything lightly and wants to live life fully after recovering from a ruptured aneurism, and he’s definitely more than intrigued about his neighbor. So he tries, and he tries, until one Christmas eve…
“That’s what he wanted here. To match her well. To be her mate. To exist at her level.”
It’s Christmas and Theo is homebound. Elle is staying, unbeknownst to anyone, because she doesn’t want to go home. He invades her house thinking no one’s there. And the attraction between them, which was definitely already there, turns to full-blown chemistry and let me tell you: these guys are hot!
Side note: I never though I could have a dinosaur kink, but maybe that’s a thing for me now.
“There’s never been a moment when I haven’t seen her.”
When she gets pregnant from what happened that day, Theo steps up. He’s supportive, he’s attentive, and a total sweetheart. Was he looking to start a family? No, but he’s there for it. And Ellie is used to fighting her own battles, every step of the way, without any help. She doesn’t know how to accept help, and breaking down her walls is going to be hard. Especially since she doesn’t see how worthy of happiness she truly is.
Theo is absolutely swoonworthy. It’s hard not to fall for the guy and the things he does – and the descriptions of his backside will leave you wishing this was a movie. And, as the book progressed, I just wanted to push them together already. Just go for it, FFS!
“That’s what you are for me, Ellie. True north. My heart and home. The place I’ll always return to.”
Of course, Kate delivers on the HEA, and it’s heartwarming.
This is a book about embracing life and everything that comes with it, and accepting you’re worthy of happiness, and love. You’re worthy of a home, regardless of who you are, or what you went through.
And, of course, I can’t wait for Gunnar’s book. I can already tell it’s going to be heartbreaking!
I fell in love with Theo Kershaw when I met him early on in this series, but watching Superglutes journey was absolutely amazing!!!!! Seeing him wiggle his way into Elle’s jaded heart with his quirky and ridiculously hilarious antics had me swooning and laughing. My heart broke seeing what both Theo and Elle had been through in their pasts; but with “teamwork” they may be able to move on from the pain.
This series is fantastic, if you haven’t started it yet, I highly recommend you jump in.
I’m really enjoying this series. Loved the prior one and couldn’t wait to start this one. Unfortunately like so many readers I’ve had to find time to get in everything I want to read and so I’m only getting to this series now.
I totally love both Theo and Elle. Theo is so much fun. I love reading about him. He acts like he’s kinda silly and you wonder about it but then realizes after all he’s gone through in life he just wants to live. You can’t really blame him for living life to the fullest. I also adore his grandmother. She’s so much fun!
Love Elle and felt for her too. She also had things to deal with in her past. Together they bring out the best in each other. Their road to happiness isn’t always easy but I liked how they worked it all out. It’s cute how worried Theo is about Elle when she becomes pregnant. He drives her crazy with his worry but she learns to deal with it. I also like how Theo also handles her family well. He makes a hard stand for her and shows you how he’s not the silly pushover you think he is.
This is a fun story that I think you’ll really enjoy reading. Wonderful series so make sure to read them all.
Really enjoyed the story line, the characters. Bought the next one as well just as good.
Love that these characters had the perfect combination of flaws that worked. Great writing, I love when a story can draw me in enough to be able to laugh out loud.
Theo is on the mends from a life threatening, life altering medical condition. He’s better than before, on the ice, but is not nearly as confident as he used to be with the ladies. On social media, he’s loved by all-except the one woman who has him wanting more…
Elle, former Army buddy of Levi’s, is running. Everyone knows she has secrets, they’re just not sure what they are. With her life currently in limbo, she’s crashed out on Levi’s couch-across the hall from her nemesis/crush. Theo. She stalks his social media and pretends as though she hates him when he comes to raid Levi’s refrigerator. But when he’s near, she can’t resist his boyish charm. When he gets locked out of his apartment then charms his towel-clad body into Levi’s, all bets and clothes are off! A one night stand that turns into so much more…
The gypsy, con artist aspect of the story was intriguing! I figured Elle was running from abuse of some sort, so this was a pleasant, surprising twist! It was so adorable to see the cutie hockey stud lacking confidence. They’re usually so cocky it’s almost a turn off. Their chemistry is ! I loved that Elle was strong, confident, and protective. Mostly, I LOVED Theo’s Granny! What a hoot! Her group of crazy, hockey grannies with their hot pink jackets. I loved how they brought Elle into the fold. Great read. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
I really loved meeting Theo’s character (Superglutes) in Good Guy and was happy when I learned he was getting his own story with Elle aka Sergeant Cupcake. Right off the bat I have to say that I love Theo’s character. He’s such a sweetheart and he’s so freaking sweet! I loved his Instagram posts and how he was so interactive with his fans. But beyond this goofy/funny personality is also a man who has gone through a lot. Not just the fact that he had an aneurysm at a very young and age and recovered, but also deep wounds involved around family that he’s not willing to really share with anyone.
That is until Elle comes along. Elle is strong and fierce (she is an army veteran after all), but is trying her best to make it on her own two feet alone. She has a past full of secrets and doesn’t want her family tainting anything that she is working hard for. Elle and Theo of course find themselves alone on Christmas Eve out of all nights and they can’t keep their hands off one another. Their lives are about to be forever intertwined, but can Theo get Elle to open up enough to let him into her life completely?
I liked this book, but I didn’t feel the connection between Elle and Theo. I loved Elle and Theo respectively and what their characters endured growing up was heartbreaking. I liked that the relationship between Elle and Theo was a bit messy and not so neat and tidy. Elle had her own reservations about starting a family with Theo and I felt for her every step of the way. I just wish I would have felt more of a connection with the characters.
**I received a complimentary advance copy of this title from the author**
Really enjoyed this story from Kate Meader’s Rookie Rebels series. Both Theo and Elle were mentioned in previous books, but I loved where their story went and learning about how their pasts shaped who they were in the present.
While I’ve read all the books on the Chicago Rebels, I don’t believe you need the back stories to appreciate and enjoy this book. The personalities of the Rebels family is always heartfelt, entertaining and at times blunt. I love seeing into their world and can’t wait for the next addition in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Theo and Elle’s love story in Instacrush by Kate Meader, book 2 in the Rookie Rebels series, was an intriguing, sexy, and enjoyable tale. Theo has returned to the ice and the world of hockey after a life-threatening injury. He has the world by its tail with his amazing, outgoing personality, his on-ice talent, and his killer looks. Everyone adores him, except possibly his neighbor; or maybe she secretly does. Ex-military and now bartender, Elle cannot believe she is crushing on the hot hockey player across the hall or checking out his Instagram antics or sneaking peeks at him when he’s visiting her roommate or when he’s in her bar. She has fled from a past filled with secrets and is trying to avoid any attention that could be drawn to her. So spending a fantasy filled day with Theo needs to be kept secret. Unfortunately, fate, or is it karma, has other plans a few weeks later; she couldn’t be a mom to a pro-athlete’s baby.
Ms. Meader wrote a fun, flirty, sexy sports romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Theo and Elle a chance to at love, trust, and the chance to be a family for their little Hatchling . I loved the dinosaur references and how supportive Theo’s grandmother was. I also admired Theo for his romantic streak, giving Elle the charm bracelet and the meaning of behind the charms. I highly recommend Instacrush to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.